Scout Notes

Braces for Mane and Pulisic as Jimenez faces extra-time again

Our reports from the Copa America, Gold Cup and Africa Cup of Nations continue.

As usual, our Scout Notes focus on the Premier League players involved for their respective countries.

Copa America

Brazil 2-0 Argentina

Premium FPL forwards Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino (both £9.5m) were on the scoresheet as Brazil edged out their fierce rivals in Wednesday morning’s semi-final.

Firmino, who has started all of Brazil’s matches at this summer’s tournament, was the provider of Selecao’s opening goal, with Jesus sweeping home the Liverpool striker’s low cross on 19 minutes.

Jesus, starting on the right as Firmino spearheaded the Brazilian attack, returned the favour in the second half as he laid the ball on a plate for the Reds’ striker to tap in.

Coach Tite said of Jesus’s display:

Gabriel impresses all the professionals that work with him because he never gives up. People tell him ‘you just have to put up with the pain and run,’ and that’s what I asked him to do.

He has to refine his solutions and he has to evolve because he’s young, but if I ask him to shoot 50 times, he’ll do 51. This capacity of persistence and his quest for something is his trademark.

Firmino, meanwhile, has been directly involved in more goals (five) than any other player at this summer’s Copa America.

Chances were few and far between for the hosts (Brazil had just four shots in total) but Philippe Coutinho ought to have done better when being fed by Jesus early in the second half.

Willian (£7.0m) came on as a half-time substitute on the left flank but picked up a thigh injury in the second half and is reportedly set to miss Sunday’s final.

The problem isn’t thought to be too serious, however.

Fernandinho (£5.5m) and Richarlison (£8.0m) recovered from injury and illness respectively to take their place on the Brazil bench but remained unused substitutes, along with Ederson (£6.0m).

Alisson (£6.0m) is now guaranteed the tournament’s Golden Glove award after keeping his fifth straight clean sheet.

A reassuring presence between the sticks, the Liverpool goalkeeper had only two saves to make but his goal led a charmed life as both Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) hit the woodwork.

The Manchester City striker made his fourth start of the tournament as the spearhead of the Argentina attack but couldn’t add to his one goal against Qatar, looping a header onto Alisson’s bar and seeing a goalbound shot blocked five minutes later.

Aguero had a shout for a penalty turned away just before Brazil scored their second goal.

Nicolas Otamendi (£5.5m) kept up his 100% appearance record in defence while Juan Foyth (£5.0m) also played the full 90 minutes.

Roberto Pereyra (£6.0m) was again an unused substitute.

Argentina now take on Chile in Saturday’s third-place play-off.

Chile 0-3 Peru

Alexis Sanchez‘s (£7.0m) Copa America hopes came to an end in the early hours of this morning, as Peru inflicted a surprising 3-0 defeat on Chile in Porto Alegre.

Sanchez, deployed on the left flank in this match, has impressed in the tournament but failed to make much of an impact in this semi-final, though did see one shot superbly saved and another blocked.

Chile were not without their chances and dominated possession, missing a penalty in the stoppage time with the game already gone.

Like Aguero and co, Alexis still has to stick around for the third-place play-off on Saturday.

The Mirror report that he will then join up with his United teammates for their tour of Asia.

Gold Cup

Mexico 1-0 Haiti (after extra-time)

Mexico have reached the final of the Gold Cup to set up a much-anticipated meeting with USA in the early hours of Monday morning (UK time).

El Tri have done it the hard way in the knockout stages, though, having to rely on a penalty shootout to see off Costa Rica in the quarter-finals and then being taken to extra-time by Haiti yesterday.

That’s now two successive 120-minute run-outs for Raul Jimenez (£7.5m) in the space of four days and it was the Wolves striker who proved to be Mexico’s match-winner in this semi-final.

Jimenez, who missed from the spot in the quarter-final shootout, converted a 93rd-minute penalty after himself being fouled.

That goal took his tally for the tournament to five.

Jimenez was heavily involved, registering eight shots in all and going close with a chipped effort in extra time.

The mid-price FPL forward would have had an assist, too, had Luis Montes not missed an open goal just before the final whistle.

Jamaica 1-3 USA

Christian Pulisic (£7.5m) again caught the eye with a brace in the USA’s 3-1 semi-final win over Jamaica.

The Chelsea winger, who has frequently played as a number ten for his country, impressed again when drifting wide and hit the woodwork with a first-half free-kick.

Pulisic’s two goals – his second and third of the tournament – were similar in nature, with the former Borussia Dortmund prospect following up saved efforts from his teammates.

Africa Cup of Nations

Kenya 0-3 Senegal

Senegal secured a last-16 meeting with Uganda after a comfortable 3-0 win over Kenya.

Having failed to score in the opening two group games, Sadio Mane (£11.5m) got off the mark with a second-half brace.

The Liverpool winger was in the thick of the action, picking up a yellow card and missing a first-half penalty.

Mane redeemed himself by latching onto a hoofed ball and finishing low past Patrick Matasi before converting his second spot-kick of the match on 78 minutes.

The former Southampton winger lasted the full duration of the game.

Victor Wanyama (£5.0m) was on the losing side as his country bowed out of the tournament.

The recalled Idrissa Gueye (£5.0m) played the first 80 minutes in central midfield, with Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate (£5.0m) again deployed in defence.

Namibia 1-4 Ivory Coast

Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) made his first start of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and marked it with a goal in his country’s 4-1 win over Namibia.

The Crystal Palace winger had two penalty shouts turned away and scuffed a shot straight at Namibia goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua but finally got off the mark on 84 minutes, skimming a low effort past Kazapua at his near post.

Serge Aurier (£5.0m) missed out with the hamstring injury he picked up against Morocco, while Jonathan Kodjia (£5.5m) played the last five minutes as a substitute.

Ivory Coast play Mali on Monday in the round of 16.

Tanzania 0-3 Algeria

Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) was only introduced as a 76th-minute substitute as Algeria kept up their 100% record at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Algeria had already qualified for the last 16 and their coach, Djamel Belmadi, made nine changes to the starting XI from the team that defeated Senegal last week.

Leicester City’s forgotten man, Islam Slimani, scored one of his country’s goals.

Algeria face Guinea in the round of 16 on Sunday.

Guinea-Bissau 0-2 Ghana

Christian Atsu (£5.5m) missed Ghana’s final group game with a hamstring injury and has since been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

The Newcastle United winger will return to his club for further assessment.

Angola 0-1 Mali

With Mali having already qualified for the last 16, Southampton’s Moussa Djenepo (£5.5m) was one of eight players rotated to the bench for his country’s 1-0 win over Angola.

Djenepo remained an unused substitute throughout.

South Africa 0-1 Morocco

Romain Saiss (£4.5m) played the full 90 minutes as Morocco secured their third straight 1-0 win.

A last-minute goal from Moubarak Boussoufa sealed all three points.

Morocco had already qualified for the last 16, where they will face Benin on Friday.

Cameroon 0-0 Benin

Brighton’s Gaetan Bong (£4.5m) was an unused substitute as his side secured second place in Group F and a round-of-16 tie against Nigeria.

580 Comments Post a Comment
  1. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is Mendy nailed ?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Far from it.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not anymore with Zinchenko and Angelino there, his fitness record and Delph and Laporte having also deputised there.

    3. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      To the bench, yes...

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Email!!!

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          *Thumbs up*

    4. Scotty B
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No but Ederson and Walker are for same price

  2. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 7.0 mid option?

    A) Maddison (double up with Vardy)
    B) Zaha
    C) Milivojevic
    D) Willian
    E) Pedro
    F) Sanchez
    G) other

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A for me

    2. Siggy in the Middle
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A all day

    4. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      £6.5m Perez might be worth a gamble imo then see what you can do with the extra £0.5m 🙂

    5. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking Gross and Pérez could be exciting

    6. Conor1
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think Perez at Leicester is potentially a better option than all the above. Time will tell.

  3. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If I get rid of Mane to bring in another Pool Defender. Who should I replace him with ? KDB or ?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling?

  4. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    2 defenders 2 mids and 2 strikers who are must have for the start of the season????

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Can't afford the 6 must haves.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Robbo Digne
      Salah Siggy
      King Vardy

    3. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      - 2 of TAA/Robbo/VVD
      - Salah & KdB
      - Kane & King

    4. Siggy in the Middle
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      TAA/Robertson and Digne

      Salah and Zaha

      Kane or Vardy

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        2 of Robbo/TAA/VVD
        Salah/Sterling
        Vardy/King

    5. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      DEF: Robbo, TAA
      MID: Salah, Sterling
      FW: King, Vardy

    6. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Robbo TAA
      KdB Sterling
      Kane/Auba

      Then I run out of money. Vardy is next but that compromises defence.

      Someone will pop up

  5. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this no Salah team?

    Ederson
    Robertson VVD TAA Coleman
    Sterling KDB Perez
    Vardy Jiminez King

    Button Dendonker Hayden Kelly

    1. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Needs more Salah.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looks solid but you know the risks of any big Pool wins with a consolation goal conceded. High risk, high reward.

    3. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty similar to my team including the triple Liverpool defence, I like it.

  6. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    This 4-4-2 balanced enough after realising I will perma captain Salah first 5 GWs and see where it leaves me.

    Heaton
    Robbo VVD Laporte Digne
    Salah (c) KDB Siggy Maddison
    Vardy King

    4.0 4.5 4.5 4.0

    1. Queenofthestoneage
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I went

      Ederson.
      VVD. Robo. Laporte. Azpi. Digne.
      Salah(perma cap). Siggy.
      Vardy. Jimenez. King.

      Button. Kante. Ndidi. Stephens.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        So Jiminez, Azpi and Ederson to KDB, Maddison and Heaton. Not much in it really.

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yours is excellent providing Jimi isn't fatigued after Thursday night exertions.

        MS - I like yours a lot other than the cheap goalie.

        1. Queenofthestoneage
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I believe you and I are on the exact same note here. Great minds think alike.

      3. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        FYI - prefer Jorginho to Kante. There is a good video on YouTube showing why he (Jorginho) got zero assists last season and it was down to erratic finishing. Worth a watch as Jorginho could also be on pens.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          What makes you think Chelsea's finishing will be less erratic this year? Same players plus profligate Tammy minus Eden.

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            There were some horror misses in that video so I guess I am just considering a regression to mean rather than any marked improvement in finishing.

        2. Queenofthestoneage
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers. I’ve seen that video and I follow Chelsea closely. Jorginho will likely rotate and/or leave. He’s Sarris boy.
          Kante scored 116 points last season and played every game. Also accounted for both goals and assists. He is nailed at 5.0m and I expect CS the few times he joins my party.

          1. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            so a midfield of Kante/Kovacic/Barkley?

            1. Queenofthestoneage
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Kante as DM
              In front of him Barkley, Mount and RLC once fit. Kovacic and Jorginho I dont really see in Lampards plans. Just what I gather from friends, forum, youtube analysis and personal thoughts.

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I don't get why they splurged 40m on Kovacic. Lamps must have given the go-ahead.

      4. WVA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        No Man City attack is madness! I think the Perez arrival could negatively impact Vardys FPL points.

        Ederson
        Robbo VVD Laporte Digne
        Salah Sterling Siggy Mili Jorginho
        King

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Am hoping KDB has a full summer training and returns to tick along with a steady supply of assists for Sterling/Aguero

        2. Queenofthestoneage
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Bench is sh*t

          1. WVA
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers for that, very helpful

    2. Queenofthestoneage
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      So the difference is:

      Heaton. KDB. Maddi.
      vs
      Ederson. Azpi. Jimenez + bench

      1. Queenofthestoneage
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        My 3 players all played 38 games last season fwiw

    3. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Similar to my current 442.

      I have Kane for Vardy and a few tweaks in defence but the midfield is the same.

      I like it.

      1. Queenofthestoneage
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Please show

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I had Kane and Jorginho for the Leicester boys but think I should wait and see if Jorginho's role changes before punting on him.

  7. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best or below 5.5m midfielder ?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      There's nowt.

    2. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Norwood

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Moutinho or McArthur but would only want them for a zombie team.

    4. Macam Dave
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I considered Kante as had few decent scores but depends on where he plays this season

    5. WVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jorginho should do better this season!

    6. Hint
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      El Ghazi or McGinn I reckon

  8. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thinking of taking a punt on Pogba. Why never any love for him on here ? Apart from the fact that he is annoying!

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      he's very high on my watchlist as well

      United did finish last season very badly of course, but they have a very nice schedule until end of the year

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He wants away

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Playing in the pivot 2 & openly asking for selling him.

    4. WVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not for me

  9. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which combo would you pick? (All starting XI) :

    A) Digne | KdB | Siggy
    B) 4.5 def | Sterling | Maddison

    Thanks

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers Miguel, just scared of not having Sterling!

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          You have Salah and Kane right? Plenty of captaincy material there.

    2. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Nice one, conclusive then!

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B with Coleman Sterling Yarmalenko ??

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Wow that could be a shout!! Cheers Amey!

  10. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    The lack of viable midfield options at or below 6.0 is by far the biggest challenge this year.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      McArthur?

    2. JamTart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Townsend for me just now.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah
      After thinking a lot about 5.5 Midfielder, i think I'm going to get Trippier instead & go full back 5 !
      4.5m *3 Midfielders 😀

  11. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    KDB, could have a nailed and successful Season.

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Could get injured and be out for months in first 10 mins? Who knows, looking more and more injury prone by the second going by last season?

  12. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    KDB a must-have? You're pulling my leg ... 😐

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If he's a must-have, I must have him. Most have him. I don't 🙂

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Me neither! 🙂

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm going to keep waiting tillhe plays 5/6 games without getting Injured this season.
      Got very bad side of luck last season in dgw after selling Eriksen watching him giving 1 pointer & Eriksen scoring

    3. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm game!

      There's no doubt in my mind IF he stays fit 200+ points is on the cards...

  13. JamTart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    People going for Vardy/Maddison from the start.

    Are you confident they'll perform despite the mixed start? 4 "top 6" teams in the first 8 GWs with Wolves as one of the other 4. I want one of them at least eventually but find it too hard to pick one over a Bournemouth double up from the start.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm going after Vardy.
      BR has had a great impact in him last season. Also his record against top teams is awesome.
      I think he is a great differential © material too when they have home fixtures. Could be party time again this season !!

      1. JamTart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'm taking the approach of seeing if he fires them in during preseason then I'll shift things around for him but for now I'm thinking I'll wait on him for a bit. I know I'll have him eventually though

    2. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No bad fixture for Jamie

  14. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A- King

    B- Laporte

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A for first two gw's

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks Amey, I trust your judgement 🙂 King in.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          😛

  15. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Jagielka returning to Sheffield United

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Great (?)
      Is he even fit to play back to back games ??

  16. New Post
  17. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 7m Midfielder ?

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Zaha ... and Maddison when fixtures get better. Perez might be worth keeping an eye on.

  18. KujaliaFC
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Will the introduction of VAR curtail assists and boost yellow cards for Zaha and Sterling?

    1. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Oops, sorry TM.